Chapter 12.10 PUBLIC AND PRIVATE ROAD STANDARDS

The ordinance codified in this chapter is titled and shall be referred to as the La Center Road Standards Ordinance. [Ord. 2009-10 § 1 (Exh. 1), 2009; Ord. VI-9-1 § 1, 1989.]

It is the purpose of this chapter to establish minimum standards for public and private roads hereinafter constructed or improved by another as a condition of city approval of a development or by the city. [Ord. 2009-10 § 1 (Exh. 1), 2009; Ord. VI-9-1 § 2, 1989.]

12.10.030 Definitions.

(1) “Access road” means a public or private road providing vehicular access to the boundary of a parcel of real property being proposed for development.

(2) “City area” means land located within the city limits of La Center.

(3) “City road” means a road located within the city area of the city of La Center.

(4) “Small city arterial” means a public road whose function is to collect traffic from neighborhoods and local streets and which connects to another public road of equal or greater classification. Direct access to small city arterials is discouraged.

(5) “Commercial access” means a road providing access to commercial properties in business, commercial, manufacturing, and industrial areas.

(6) “Cul-de-sac” means a dead-end road of limited length having a primary function of serving adjoining land and constructed with a turn-around at its end.

(7) “Designing engineer” means an individual licensed by the state of Washington to practice civil engineering and who has been retained by the city or private party(ies) to design roadway improvements including utilities.

(8) “Development” means any subdivision, short subdivision, rezone, construction requiring a building permit, conditional use permit or other project requiring a land use permit or approval from the city of La Center.

(9) “Director” means the public works director of the city of La Center or his or her designee.

(10) “Engineering standards” means the La Center Engineering Standards for Construction adopted by the city of La Center. The engineering standards include specifications and standard detail drawings for public works developments within city limits.

(11) “Easement” means an interest in land owned by another that entitles its holder to a specific limited use or enjoyment.

(12) “Grading development permit” means a permit to allow clearing, grubbing, excavation, and fill within a development prior to final engineering planning approval.

(13) “Half road” means any public or private road right-of-way or easement which is less than the full required width specified in this chapter, and which is established so as the additional half-width right-of-way or easement may be provided at a later date to complete the full-width roadway.

(14) “Local access” means a road whose primary function is to provide direct access to adjoining properties and which serves a limited area only, usually a neighborhood.

(15) “Loop road” means a road of limited length forming a loop, having a beginning and ending on the same road, having no other intersecting road, and having as its primary function the provision of direct access to adjoining properties.

(16) “Major arterial” means a road connecting two or more towns or communities, connecting two highways of equal or greater capacity, or serving as the primary access to a large land area. A major arterial may also serve a large traffic generator (e.g., an industrial area) and perform a secondary function of providing local access.

(17) “Neighborhood access” means a road whose primary function is to provide direct access to adjoining properties, but which also provides for traffic circulation within and through a neighborhood.

(18) “Private road” means a road not maintained by the city of La Center, Clark County or the Washington State Department of Transportation.

(19) “Public road” means a road maintained by the city of La Center, Clark County or the Washington State Department of Transportation.

(20) “Right-of-way” means a corridor or strip of land over which exists the privilege and right or authority of a person, persons, the public or governmental authority to pass over lands, whether or not the land is owned by another.

(21) “Roadside” means the portion of an easement or right of-way lying on either side of the roadway, including curbs, sidewalks and ditches.

(22) “Roadway” means the improved portion of an easement or right-of-way, excluding curbs, sidewalks and ditches.

(23) “Scenic route” means a road affording a view of a scenic area and constructed in a manner to retain natural roadside characteristics.

(24) “Minor arterial” means a public road connecting two or more roads of equal or greater classification, or connecting two or more communities. A minor arterial may serve as an alternate route to a higher classified road or a traffic generation of medium importance, and serves an additional function of land service.

(25) “Sidewalk” means a pedestrian access adjacent to or within the right-of-way of a public road.

(26) “Special provisions” means road construction requirements peculiar to a specific project and which are not otherwise thoroughly or satisfactorily detailed and set forth in the standard specifications.

(27) “Standard specifications” means those specifications adopted for road construction in LCMC 12.10.040.

(28) “Structure” means that which is built or constructed, an edifice or building of any kind, or any piece of work, artificially built up or composed of parts joined together in some definite manner, but not to include utility poles for purposes of this chapter.

(29) “Urban area” means land located outside the city limits of the city of La Center but within the urban growth area as designated by the city of La Center comprehensive plan.

(30) “Urban road” means a road located within the city of La Center urban area.

(31) “Walkway” means a pedestrian access which is within the building site envelope, total building complex or between lots, but not adjacent to or within the right-of-way of a public road. [Ord. 2009-10 § 1 (Exh. 1), 2009; Ord. VI-9-1 § 3, 1989.]

12.10.040 Public roads – Standard specifications adopted.

The standards for city roads and bridges, and all other construction within publicly owned right-of-way, shall consist of the following: The current edition of The Standard Specifications for Road, Bridge and Municipal Construction published by the Washington State Department of Transportation, Olympia, Washington, and the American Public Works Association (APWA); the Washington State Department of Transportation Design Manual (current edition); and the latest revision of the City of La Center Engineering Standards for Construction (engineering standards).

The director shall specify which of the standard specifications will apply to the construction project. Copies of the City of La Center Engineering Standards for Construction are available from the La Center public works department. [Ord. 2009-10 § 1 (Exh. 1), 2009; Ord. VI-9-1 § 4, 1989.]

12.10.050 Public roads – Design criteria.

Repealed by Ord. 2009-10. [Ord. VI-9-1 § 5, 1989.]

12.10.060 Public roads – Plans for construction of roads and utilities.

The designing engineer shall submit to the director plans and specifications for street and utility construction for the proposed development. The plans and specifications shall include a vicinity map, a plan and profile, special provisions, and reference to the standard specifications, including the typical sections. The engineering standards list specific details required for engineering plans. [Ord. 2009-10 § 1 (Exh. 1), 2009; Ord. VI-9-1 § 6, 1989.]

12.10.070 Public roads – General specifications.

(1) Typical Roadway Section. Typical roadway sections are provided in the engineering standards. The roadway section shall be detailed on the construction plans submitted for each new roadway or improvement to an existing roadway. The typical section shall show the width of right-of-way, width of roadway, type and compacted depth of base material, type and compacted depth of surfacing, type and compacted depth of paving, and such other dimensions as may be necessary or required. Shown also shall be the location and width of sidewalks, walkways, curbs or curb and gutter, where applicable.

(2) Surfacing – Depth Determination. The depth of materials shall be as shown on the typical sections for roadway construction adopted in the engineering standards unless modified as follows:

(a) The director, after conducting soil tests in the area, determines a heavier section is required; or

(b) The developer provides a soil test report to the director, prepared by a qualified soils engineer, indicating a lesser depth is satisfactory, and the director approves the lesser depth. Any modification approved by the director under this subsection shall be based upon the standard specifications, taking into consideration anticipated traffic loading characteristics, soils types, surfacing materials, and other relevant factors.

(3) Construction Revisions. Changes after approval may be made only upon written request of the owner approved by the director, or request by the director approved by the owner. If there is a contract between the owner and a contractor, the contractor must be involved in the revision.

(4) Grades and Drainage Structures. Written approval is required from the director for all proposed grading and grade and drainage structures. Drainage details and street centerline profile grades shall be shown on the construction plans. An overall grading plan shall be submitted as a part of the plans.

(5) Construction. Construction shall not start prior to both the construction plans having been signed by the director and the final plat survey computations having been approved by the director; except the rough grading operations may proceed before the plans are approved by the director under the following conditions:

(a) The grading and erosion control plan is submitted separately along with an application for a grading development permit; and

(b) The grading and erosion control plan is in conformance with the approved preliminary plat; and

(c) The grading and erosion control plan will not be in substantial conflict with the street profiles and drainage structure plans; and

(d) The grading development permit is issued.

(e) Site development earthwork for site grading and construction of sewer, storm drain, water, and street systems shall be limited to the dry weather season between May 1st and October 31st with planting, seeding, and erosion control measures completed by October 1st to become established before the onset of wet weather.

(6) The director may place a moratorium for up to five years on newly constructed or paved roadways. [Ord. 2009-10 § 1 (Exh. 1), 2009; Ord. VI-9-1 § 7, 1989.]

12.10.080 Public roads – Inspections.

(1) General. No construction shall begin until the written approval provided for in LCMC 12.10.070 has been obtained. The director’s office shall be notified not less than 24 hours prior to the start of any phase of construction.

(2) Subgrade. The subgrade must be inspected and approved by the director prior to application of the base material.

(3) Materials. The standard specifications shall apply to all materials and workmanship. Approval of the source of surfacing materials must be obtained from the director prior to using the material on the roadway. The base course shall be thoroughly compacted with approved construction equipment prior to the application of the top course. Inspection and approval of the finished base course is required prior to the application of the top course.

(4) Paving. The office of the director shall be notified not less than 24 hours in advance of the application of any type of paving and, in accordance with the standard specifications, the director may stop or delay paving operations when, in his or her opinion, the weather or other conditions indicate that suitable results cannot be obtained.

(5) Alternate Surface Treatment. Alternate surface treatment may be used only upon written permission of the director. Specifications for materials and application rates will be supplied by the designing engineer subject to approval by the director. [Ord. 2009-10 § 1 (Exh. 1), 2009; Ord. VI-9-1 § 8, 1989.]

12.10.090 Public roads – General roadway and right-of-way standards.

(1) The minimum right-of-way and roadway widths for all city roads shall be as required in the engineering standards. Additional right-of-way may be required where necessary to accommodate slopes.

(2) The location, width and grade of proposed streets shall be considered in relation to: existing and planned streets, topographical conditions, public convenience and safety for all modes of travel, existing and identified future transit routes and pedestrian/bicycle accessways, and the proposed use of land to be served by the streets. The street system shall assure an adequate traffic circulation system with intersection angles, grades, tangents and curves appropriate for the traffic to be carried considering the terrain. To the extent possible, proposed streets shall connect to all existing or approved stub streets that abut the development site. Where location is not shown in the development plan, the arrangement of streets shall either:

(a) Provide for the continuation or appropriate projection of existing principal streets in the surrounding area and on adjacent parcels or conform to a plan for the area approved or adopted by the city to meet a particular situation where topographical or other conditions make continuance or conformance to existing streets impractical;

(b) Where necessary to give access to or permit a satisfactory future development of adjoining land, streets shall be extended to the boundary of the land division and the resulting dead-end street (stub) may be approved with a temporary turnaround as approved by the city engineer. Reserve strips shall be required to preserve the objectives of street extensions.

(3) Scenic route design shall allow reduced design speed and modified roadway and right-of-way widths to preserve naturally occurring scenic beauty unique to the location of the route. When possible, existing alignment and roadway section shall be used. Special features, such as vehicle turnouts for vista areas or bicycle/pedestrian facilities, may be provided. Scenic routes shall be designated by the city council of La Center and the director shall establish standards for such routes.

(4) Except where needed for public circulation, roads within multifamily developments may be private and can serve more than eight units when allowed under the modifications process of LCMC 12.10.310. Required or proposed city roads shall be built to the engineering standards adopted by reference in LCMC 12.10.040. Right-of-way and roadway widths may be reduced pursuant to the modification procedure contained in LCMC 12.10.310.

(5) Except where public circulation requires otherwise, roads within commercial, manufacturing, or industrial areas providing access to individual parcels or buildings may be private roads, but shall be constructed in alignment and width to permit convenient access by emergency vehicles. Unless designated as a major arterial in the city of La Center’s road plans, or modified pursuant to LCMC 12.10.310, public roads providing access to or through commercial manufacturing or industrial areas shall be built in accordance with the construction specifications for minor arterials, except that minimum right-of-way and roadway widths shall be governed by the design standards applicable to the appropriate classification of such public road.

(6) Intersection spacing for new streets within all new developments and to the limits of the entire parcel of property being developed will be from 100 to 500 feet. The spacing is measured as the distance of intersections with other public roads from centerline to centerline of the intersecting public roads. Locations of arterial streets are determined by the city’s transportation capital facility plan. [Ord. 2009-10 § 1 (Exh. 1), 2009; Ord. VI-9-1 § 9, 1989.]

12.10.100 Public roads – Pedestrian circulation.

(1) Requirement. Sidewalks and/or surfaced walkways shall be constructed adjacent to and/or within a parcel being developed, as provided for below.

(a) Sidewalks shall be constructed along the frontage of all public roads in the city area in accordance with the following guidelines:

(i) Along both sides of arterials.

(ii) Along both sides of roads serving residential, multifamily, commercial, or industrial developments.

(iii) Along both sides of neighborhood and local access roads serving single-family residential developments.

(b) Sidewalks, when required in accordance with the above, shall be constructed along the frontage of all public roads adjacent to a parcel located within the city area whenever any one of the following occurs:

(i) A residential, multifamily, commercial, or industrial building, or a public facility or private recreational facility is hereinafter constructed on the parcel; or

(ii) The parcel is hereinafter granted plat or short plat preliminary approval.

(2) Construction Standards. Materials and construction for sidewalks adjacent to city roads shall conform with the standard specifications.

(3) Construction. Unless earlier installation is required by the director, required sidewalks shall be installed in conjunction with either the construction of an adjacent public road or the construction of a building structure. That portion of any required sidewalks adjacent to any lot shall be constructed prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy for a building constructed on such lot.

(4) Construction Bond. If the director determines that construction is not feasible when a building is ready for occupancy, a construction bond or other security acceptable to the director shall be posted guaranteeing the construction of required sidewalks. The amount of such construction bond, or other security, shall be set by the director based upon the estimated cost of installation at the time when the sidewalk is to be constructed.

(5) Procedure. Except as modified herein, the reviews, approval, inspection and acceptance procedures established elsewhere in this chapter shall similarly apply to sidewalks.

(6) Maintenance. The maintenance of sidewalks within the right-of-way is the responsibility of the abutting property owner. [Ord. 2009-10 § 1 (Exh. 1), 2009; Ord. VI-9-1 § 10, 1989.]

12.10.110 Public roads – Construction bonds.

In lieu of the completion of any required public improvements prior to approval of a final plat, short plat or the issuance of building permits, the director may accept a bond, in an amount and with surety and conditions satisfactory to him, or other secure method as the director may require, providing for and securing to the city of La Center the actual construction and installation of such improvements within a period specified by the director and specified in the bond or other agreement, and to be enforced by the director by appropriate legal and equitable remedies. In no case shall a bond be less than 110 percent of the cost to complete construction. [Ord. 2009-10 § 1 (Exh. 1), 2009; Ord. VI-9-1 § 11, 1989.]

12.10.120 Public roads – As-built plans.

The developer shall be responsible for submitting a reproducible set of plans for all improvements showing all construction changes, locations of culverts, alignment and grade changes, added and deleted items, location of utilities, water valves, sewer connections, etc. The as-built plans shall be submitted prior to acceptance of any improvements for maintenance by the city. The as-built plans will be signed and stamped by a professional engineer registered in the state of Washington and meet the criteria set forth in the city of La Center engineering standards. [Ord. 2009-10 § 1 (Exh. 1), 2009; Ord. VI-9-1 § 12, 1989.]

12.10.130 Public roads – Acceptance by city.

Roads will be accepted for provisional maintenance by the city of La Center upon recommendation of the director. Final acceptance will not be made for one year from the date of provisional acceptance and the owner and/or his contractor and the utilities must repair any failure within the one-year period at the expense of the owner or his contractor or the utilities responsible; provided, prior to such acceptance, a bond in an amount and with surety acceptable to the director, or other secure method, may be required providing for and securing to the city of La Center the satisfactory performance and maintenance of such road improvements for a two-year period when, in the director’s opinion, all specifications have not been fully met. [Ord. 2009-10 § 1 (Exh. 1), 2009; Ord. VI-9-1 § 13, 1989.]

12.10.140 Private roads – Serving subdivisions and short subdivisions – General specifications.

(1) General Requirements, Applicable to All Plat and Short Plat Private Roads.

(a) Private roads shall be allowed only for such roads that have no public interest for traffic circulation and are to be built in accordance with the standards adopted herein. Private roads are not allowed when in conflict with the adopted road circulation plans or studies. The maximum number of lots that can be served by a private road is four.

(b) The city shall not maintain roads or signs within private easements or rights-of-way.

(c) The face of any plat or short plat containing a private road shall state the following language: “The city of La Center has no responsibility to improve or maintain the private roads contained within, or private roads providing access to, the property described in this plat.”

(d) Private roads shall meet the requirements of private streets located in the engineering standards.

(e) A private maintenance agreement shall be required for any plat or short plat.

(f) Private roadway signs with street designations shall be provided by the developer at the intersection of private roads with private and public roads. Such signs shall meet the specifications in the engineering standards and, in the case of intersections with public roads, shall either be located within the public right-of-way or a separate easement shall be provided.

(g) Private roads are the responsibility of the developer to construct in accordance with the criteria of this section and LCMC 12.10.150. Upon completion of the required improvements, the developer and his contractor shall notify the director, and the director shall inspect the improvements for compliance with the adopted standards. Upon completion of the required improvements, certification by the developer and his contractor shall be required stating that the improvements have been completed in accordance with the adopted standards.

(2) Determination of Units Served.

(a) The potential number of lots or units used for determination of applicable standards shall be based on the potential number of lots or units that could reasonably be served, using the base zone under the La Center zoning ordinance to calculate density.

(b) Lots abutting and having a legal right of access to a private road but gaining access to another private road or a public road shall be included in the calculation of lots or units being served by each abutting private road.

(c) Where potential additional lots are planned to be served by the private road, there shall be established on the plat an easement for roadway and utility installations which provides for future extensions of the private road to serve the remainder of the potential lots for which the road is designed.

(d) The actual number of lots used for determination of applicable construction standards shall be based on the number of lots along the private road, as shown on the records of the city of La Center, lots shown having access to the private road shall be counted, regardless of size or date of creation.

(e) As a condition to receiving the preliminary plat and short plat approval, the developer or applicant shall demonstrate the satisfaction of the director that a pre-plan or future circulation plan for further subdivision of the land into smaller urban lots exists, and is adequate to provide for future utilities and roads. Prior to receiving preliminary plat approval, the pre-plan or future circulation plan shall be reviewed and approved by the director. No building permit shall be issued for any structure located in a right-of-way or easement for a future road or street. [Ord. 2009-10 § 1 (Exh. 1), 2009; Ord. VI-9-1 § 14, 1989.]

12.10.150 Private roads – Serving subdivisions and short subdivisions – Design and construction standards.

Private roads serving commercial, manufacturing or industrial subdivisions and short subdivisions may be permitted and, when allowed, shall be constructed in accordance with the criteria set forth in LCMC 12.10.140. Private roads serving residential subdivisions or short subdivisions, when allowed, shall conform to the private street standards located in the engineering standards. [Ord. 2009-10 § 1 (Exh. 1), 2009; Ord. VI-9-1 § 15, 1989.]

12.10.160 Private roads – Serving subdivisions and short subdivisions – Maintenance.

(1) Each lot, tract, or parcel in a subdivision or short subdivision utilizing a private road for access shall have a disclosure statement on the face of the plat or short plat and in the form of a deed covenant running with the land identifying the mutual maintenance responsibilities of each property owner, establishing easements for access and for necessary utilities.

(2) The developer of the plat or short plat shall be responsible to ensure the maintenance of the private road for a period of two years from the date of certification of such private road, or recording of the plat or short plat, whichever occurs later. Thereafter, the developer’s maintenance responsibility will depend upon the number of lots under the developer’s continuing ownership. [Ord. 2009-10 § 1 (Exh. 1), 2009; Ord. VI-9-1 § 16, 1989.]

12.10.170 Developments – Access road – General.

Dedicated rights-of-way providing access to a parcel being developed shall have a minimum right-of-way width as specified in the design criteria contained in the engineering standards; private road easements providing access to a parcel being developed shall have a minimum easement width of 60 feet unless a lesser width would be permitted by the engineering standards if the road were public; provided, that in situations where the property being developed does not permit full public or private roads, half roads having a minimum right-of-way or easement width of one-half of the design width may be permitted when placed adjacent to adjoining property so long as there is no physical obstruction or development constraint prohibiting the completion of the road on such adjoining property; and provided further, that no more than five actual parcels or units may be served by a half-width public road unless the minimum roadway width is at least 25 feet. [Ord. 2009-10 § 1 (Exh. 1), 2009; Ord. VI-9-1 § 17, 1989.]

12.10.180 Developments – Access road – Right-of-way.

(1) No development shall occur on any parcel which does not abut a public road right-of-way or private road easement which meets the minimum right-of-way or easement standards set out in LCMC 12.10.170; provided, that this prohibition shall not apply to the construction of any accessory residential structure, to any sign, or to the structural addition, alteration or repair to any existing structure within any 12-month period which neither exceeds 25 percent of the value of the existing structure nor increases the total floor space of the structure by more than 10 percent.

(2) If the lot abuts an existing publicly maintained road, the requirements of this section shall be deemed satisfied if the half-width of the entire abutting portion of such public road meets the minimum right-of-way standards set forth herein. If the lot abuts a private easement or road, such private easement or road shall meet the minimum standards set forth herein along the entire frontage of such lot and along the full length of the private easement or road from such lot to an opened, constructed and maintained public road; provided, that a half-width private easement or road may be approved pursuant to LCMC 12.10.170. [Ord. 2009-10 § 1 (Exh. 1), 2009; Ord. VI-9-1 § 18, 1989.]

12.10.190 Developments – Access road – Frontage improvements.

(1) Unless already fully developed, and subject to the limitations of LCMC 12.10.180 and the modification provisions of LCMC 12.10.310, a half-width road improvement shall be constructed to the applicable standards set out in this chapter to that portion of an access road which abuts the parcel being developed, as a requirement of approval of a final plat, final short plat or proposed use requiring approval under city ordinances and regulations; provided, that all developments which the director, based upon an engineering traffic study, finds will not result in an increase in site trip generations of more than 10 percent shall only be required to make intersection and sight distance frontage improvements in accordance with the engineering standards, unless the director determines that additional frontage improvements are clearly necessary in order to provide minimally safe access to such development. Required private access road improvements shall be completed prior to issuance of final plat or short plat approval, or in the cases where such improvements are required as a condition to obtain a building permit, prior to issuance of certificates of occupancy. Required public access road improvements shall either be completed in like manner or construction thereof shall be guaranteed as provided for in LCMC 12.10.110; provided, that in the event that required public frontage improvements are included as a portion of a city road project scheduled on the city’s comprehensive road program to be undertaken within two years, the developer in lieu of constructing or guaranteeing the construction of such frontage improvements may be permitted to contribute a proportionate share towards the cost of the city road project. Such payment obligation may be deferred until after completion of the city road project by an agreement to pay constituting a covenant running with the land to be developed or other secure method consistent with the requirements of RCW 82.02.020.

(2) The director may grant a modification to this section on the basis of safety, grade and/or alignment concerns, conditioning such modification, where appropriate and consistent with the requirements of RCW 82.02.020, upon the property owner’s commitment to participate in a future road improvement district or other method of accomplishing frontage improvements which are anticipated to be needed to serve the development in the future.

(3) Nothing herein shall be construed to preclude denial of a proposed development where off-site road conditions are inadequate to provide a minimum level of service “D” or a significant traffic hazard(s) would be caused or aggravated by the proposed development; provided, that the developer may voluntarily agree to mitigate such direct impacts in accordance with the provisions of RCW 82.02.020. [Ord. 2009-10 § 1 (Exh. 1), 2009; Ord. VI-9-1 § 20, 1989.]

12.10.200 Developments – Access road drainage.

Access road drainage facilities shall be sufficient to prevent water damage or impairment from normal rain flow or surface water. [Ord. 2009-10 § 1 (Exh. 1), 2009; Ord. VI-9-1 § 21, 1989.]

12.10.210 Developments – Crossroads.

On all dedicated rights-of-way exceeding 500 feet in length, cross streets shall be provided at intervals not greater than 500 feet in the urban or city area; provided, in order to minimize through traffic in residential neighborhoods, an overall development plan providing longer intersection intervals may be approved so long as it provides adequate vehicular circulation in the vicinity of the development; and provided further, that when cross street spacing exceeds 500 feet, pedestrian walkways connecting streets may be required. The cross street shall extend the full depth of the property at approximate right angles to the dedicated right-of-way and shall provide for a minimum width as specified in LCMC 12.10.090 or 12.10.140. Cross streets shall be aligned to join the existing streets at the terminal points for developing circulation of traffic. [Ord. 2009-10 § 1 (Exh. 1), 2009; Ord. VI-9-1 § 22, 1989.]

12.10.220 Single-family/duplex – Access road right-of-way.

No single-family or duplex residential structure or residential mobile home shall hereafter be constructed on any lot unless such lot takes access from either a public road or a private access road having a minimum 30-foot width right-of-way or easement from such lot to the nearest opened and constructed public road. [Ord. 2009-10 § 1 (Exh. 1), 2009; Ord. VI-9-1 § 19, 1989.]

12.10.230 Intersection design.

Repealed by Ord. 2009-10. [Ord. VI-9-1 § 23, 1989.]

12.10.240 Sight distances.

Repealed by Ord. 2009-10. [Ord. VI-9-1 § 24, 1989.]

12.10.250 Street extensions.

Where a public or private road has been constructed or created in such a manner as to be able to be extended or widened in accordance with adopted road plans or this chapter, then:

(1) All residences, buildings, or structures shall be constructed in such a position on the property that they will not interfere with the extension or widening of the roadway to adjacent areas and shall be so situated that such extension will make orderly and planned development for additional road installations to meet the reasonable minimum requirements of good and safe traffic circulation; and

(2) Right-of-way or private easements necessary to such extension or widening and falling within parcels being developed shall be granted or created as a condition of development approval. [Ord. 2009-10 § 1 (Exh. 1), 2009; Ord. VI-9-1 § 25, 1989.]

12.10.260 Arterials – Developments.

Dedication of arterial right-of-way shall occur within developments in accordance with the transportation element of the La Center comprehensive plan. In the case of a development containing an arterial or fronting on an arterial street, the developer shall only be required to construct improvements up to 54 feet in width, or 27 feet on a half-width frontage, including curbs and sidewalks, unless a wider section is necessary to accommodate the development. [Ord. 2009-10 § 1 (Exh. 1), 2009; Ord. VI-9-1 § 26, 1989.]

12.10.270 Arterials – Residential road intersections.

In order to limit the number of residential roads intersecting with arterials while providing adequate neighborhood circulation, residential roads intersecting with arterials shall be classified and constructed to standards applicable to neighborhood access roads unless the director finds that a lesser classification adequately provides for the circulation needs of the surrounding area. In those cases in which a local access road is approved, such road shall have a minimum width of 36 feet at the intersection with the arterial and shall be tapered as required by the director. [Ord. 2009-10 § 1 (Exh. 1), 2009; Ord. VI-9-1 § 27, 1989.]

12.10.280 Arterials – Medians and channelization policy.

(1) In order to preserve capacity and promote safety, the ultimate design for city arterials should normally include raised medians to restrict cross traffic movements. In general, full access intersections, signalized and nonsignalized, on city arterials will be permitted only with other county, state and city roads as are designated on the approved arterial map. Circulation from such intersections in most cases will satisfy the access needs of adjacent land. However, in the event a developer requests a median opening along an arterial or left turn channelization access (in cases where the arterial is not designed with a median) which does not conflict with proper intersection spacing, such request shall be accompanied by a traffic study performed by a licensed civil engineer with expertise in transportation. The proposed median opening or left turn channelization may be approved only if the study shows:

(a) One of the following two conditions exists:

(i) No existing or planned intersection is located within 1,000 feet of the proposed opening; or

(ii) The average daily traffic (ADT) projected for the driveway utilizing the proposed opening exceeds 10,000.

(b) The level of service on the arterial will significantly improve as the result of the proposed opening.

(2) The study also shall address such items as capacity, signalization, channelization, and storage needs of the proposed median opening or left turn channelization and how it can service surrounding properties as well. Information used in the study shall include both current traffic counts to determine immediate need for the median opening or left turn channelization and projected counts to determine the future need therefor. Traffic projections shall be taken from existing studies where available and designated by the director; provided, that in no event shall projections be for a period longer than 20 years. The cost of a median opening or left turn channelization, approved under the above criteria, shall be borne by the developer. [Ord. 2009-10 § 1 (Exh. 1), 2009; Ord. VI-9-1 § 29, 1989.]

12.10.290 Access policy.

Repealed by Ord. 2009-10. [Ord. VI-9-1 § 28, 1989.]

12.10.300 State access roads – Developments.

If the access road serving a development is a county or state road or highway, required dedication and/or improvements thereto shall be governed by the provisions of this chapter dealing with city access roads unless specified otherwise by the city of La Center or Washington State Department of Transportation. [Ord. 2009-10 § 1 (Exh. 1), 2009; Ord. VI-9-1 § 30, 1989.]

12.10.310 Modifications.

(1) In cases where unusual topographic conditions, nature of existing construction, unique development design or similar factors would make adherence to the width, design or alignment standards of this chapter undesirable or impracticable, the requirements of this chapter upon written request may be modified by the director. The director may refer the request directly to the city council for initial consideration.

(2) Any decision granting or denying a modification request shall be in writing and supported by findings of fact and conclusions which address the criteria for modification set forth hereinabove. Conditions may be attached to a modification approval which are necessary to protect the public interest and carry out the purpose of this chapter.

(3) If a modification request is approved or denied by the director in passing upon preliminary plat, preliminary short plat, conditional use or site plan approval application, such approval or denial may be administratively appealed in the same manner and within the same time as an appeal from the underlying development decision. A director’s modification decision may be appealed to the city council by the filing of a notice of appeal with the clerk/treasurer to the council, together with an appeal fee according to the city of La Center fee schedule, within 30 days from the date of the director’s decision. Such notice of appeal shall state with specificity and particularity the decision appealed from and the reasons why the appellant is entitled to relief. All such appeals so filed from a director’s modification decision shall be heard by the city council and a determination made within 30 days from the date a notice of appeal is filed.

(4) The following criteria may be eligible for a road modification:

(a) Topography, right-of-way, existing construction or physical conditions, or other geographic conditions impose an unusual hardship on the applicant and an equivalent alternative which can accomplish the same design is available.

(b) A minor change to a specification or standard is required to address a specific design or construction problem which, if not enacted, will result in an unusual hardship.

(d) Application of the standards of this chapter to the development would be grossly disproportional to the impacts created.

(5) In reviewing a modification request, consideration shall be given to public safety, durability, cost of maintenance, function, appearance, and other appropriate factors, such as to advance the goals of the comprehensive plan as a whole. Any modification shall be the minimum necessary to alleviate the hardship or disproportional impact. Self-imposed hardships shall not be used as a reason to grant a modification request. [Ord. 2009-10 § 1 (Exh. 1), 2009; Ord. VI-9-1 § 31, 1989.]

12.10.320 Road approach permits.

Permits for the construction of approaches to city roads may be granted upon due and proper application for an approach to the director, and subject to the further condition that in any individual case, either the applicant or the director may refer such case to the city council for final determination. [Ord. 2009-10 § 1 (Exh. 1), 2009; Ord. VI-9-1 § 32, 1989.]

12.10.330 When road use prohibited – Load limits.

Trucks of any kind and school buses may be prohibited from use of city roads for such periods of time as may be necessary when frost leaves the ground or in other circumstances where threat of roadway destruction is imminent. The gross load of any vehicle shall not exceed 20,000 pounds. The director is directed to carry out this section at any and at all such times as may be necessary, so as to prevent destruction of roadway surfaces. [Ord. 2009-10 § 1 (Exh. 1), 2009; Ord. VI-9-1 § 33, 1989.]

12.10.340 Highway utilities policy – Adopted.

Repealed by Ord. 2009-10. [Ord. VI-9-1 § 34, 1989.]

12.10.350 Street trees and landscaping.

When desired by the city, street trees and landscaping shall be incorporated into the design of any road improvement. Existing trees and landscaping should be preserved where desirable, and placement of new trees should be compatible with other features of the environment. In particular, maximum heights and spacing should not conflict unduly with overhead utilities. Trees shall be of the type that roots will not damage sidewalks, etc. If street trees are planted, they should conform reasonably to city standards. Maintenance of street trees, planter strips, and other landscaping within the right-of-way is the responsibility of the abutting property owner. More information on landscaping can be found in the engineering standards. [Ord. 2009-10 § 1 (Exh. 1), 2009; Ord. VI-9-1 § 35, 1989.]

12.10.360 Street lighting.

An applicant for approval of a subdivision shall install a complete street lighting system, including conduits, wiring, concrete bases, poles, junction boxes, meter bases, service cabinets and luminaires, on all roads improved as part of a subdivision at the developer’s expense. More information on street lighting can be found in the engineering standards. [Ord. 2009-10 § 1 (Exh. 1), 2009; Ord. 95-3 Exh. B, 1995.]

12.10.370 Costs reimbursement.

The developer shall reimburse the city of La Center for installation and the costs of all necessary street name signs, warning signs and regulatory signs required within the development. Such costs will be determined on a time and materials basis. Signing specifications can be found in the engineering standards. [Ord. 2009-10 § 1 (Exh. 1), 2009; Ord. 96-1, 1996.]